COLUMBIA, TN — The Tennessee American Legion’s second female department commander in state history will help open the organization’s 19U State Baseball Tournament Thursday afternoon in Columbia.
Tonya Launsby, a U.S. Navy veteran and commander of the Tennessee American Legion, is scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch as three teams begin competing for the state championship at Columbia State Community College.
The two-day tournament will feature Post 82 from Clarksburg, Post 60 from Pulaski and Post 19 from Columbia. The teams will face one another Thursday and Friday to determine which program will claim the Tennessee state title.
Columbia’s Post 19 team enters the tournament after coming within one game of winning the regional tournament in 2025.
In addition to Launsby’s ceremonial first pitch, the Post 146 Color Guard will present the nation’s colors during the tournament’s opening observances.
Thursday’s games are scheduled for 1:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Two additional games are scheduled Friday at 1:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
All games will be played at Columbia State Community College, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia. The tournament games will also be livestreamed through the Tennessee American Legion Baseball YouTube channel.
The state tournament is part of the American Legion Baseball postseason, which ultimately leads to the 19U American Legion World Series scheduled for August 13-18 in Shelby, North Carolina.
American Legion Baseball has provided athletic and character-building opportunities for young people for more than a century. More than 10 million players have participated in the program since its creation.
At different points in baseball history, former American Legion players have represented more than half of Major League Baseball rosters. The program’s alumni include Don Mattingly, Ernie Clement, Cory Ragsdale and J.T. Realmuto.
Operated largely by veterans and American Legion volunteers, the program was developed to teach citizenship, discipline, teamwork and good sportsmanship. American Legion Baseball also provides families with a more affordable alternative to many travel baseball programs.
Tournament Schedule
Thursday, July 30
1:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
Friday, July 31
1:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
Location: Columbia State Community College, 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, Tennessee
